Wall Street

A History, Updated Edition

Charles R. Geisst

A fascinating origin account of Wall Street itself as well as an economic history of the United States

Already the definitive history of America's financial hub, this crucial update chronicles the past decade, including the financial collapse of 2008

At once lurid and uplifting, tells tales of profits and losses, spirited enterprise, ruthless wheeler-dealers, and key figures that transformed America into the most powerful economy in the world

Previous edition was on the New York Times Business Bestseller list

New to this Edition:

Now unpacks the cataclysmic events of the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent policy changes of the Obama administration

Wall Street

A History, Updated Edition

Charles R. Geisst

Description

Wall Street is an unending source of legend--and nightmares. It is a universal symbol of both the highest aspirations of economic prosperity and the basest impulses of greed and deception. Charles R. Geisst's Wall Street is at once a chronicle of the street itself--from the days when the wall was merely a defensive barricade built by Peter Stuyvesant--and an engaging economic history of the United States, a tale of profits and losses, enterprising spirits, and key figures that transformed America into the most powerful economy in the world. The book traces many themes, like the move of industry and business westward in the early 19th century, the rise of the great Robber Barons, and the growth of industry from the securities market's innovative financing of
railroads, major steel companies, and Bell's and Edison's technical innovations. And because "The Street" has always been a breeding ground for outlandish characters with brazen nerve, no history of the stock market would be complete without a look at the conniving of ruthless wheeler-dealers and lesser known but influential rogues.

This updated edition covers the historic, almost apocalyptic events of the 2008 financial crisis and the overarching policy changes of the Obama administration. As Wall Street and America have changed irrevocably after the crisis, Charles R. Geisst offers the definitive chronicle of the relationship between the two, and the challenges and successes it has fostered that have shaped our history.

Wall Street

A History, Updated Edition

Charles R. Geisst

Table of Contents

PrefaceIntroduction1. The Early Years (1790-1840)2. The Railroad and Civil War Eras (1840-70)3. The Robber Barons (1870-90)4. The Age of the Trusts (1880-1910)5. The Money Trust (1890-1920)6. The Booming Twenties (1920-29)7. Wall Street Meets the New Deal (1930-35)8. The Struggle Continues (1936-54)9. Bull Market (1954-69)10. Bear Market (1970-81)11. Mergermania (1982-97)12. Running Out of Steam (1998-2003)13. The Cataclysm (2004-2008)14. The Great Recession (2009- )Notes BibliographyIndex

Wall Street

A History, Updated Edition

Charles R. Geisst

Author Information

Charles R. Geisst is Ambassador Charles A. Gargano Professor of Finance at Manhattan College, and the author of many books, including Collateral Damaged: The Marketing of Consumer Debt to America and Beggar-Thy-Neighbor: A History of Usury and Debt.

Contributors:

n/a

Wall Street

A History, Updated Edition

Charles R. Geisst

Reviews and Awards

Acclaim for earlier editions:

"A thorough retelling of a critical--though often overlooked--aspect of U.S. history."--The Wall Street Journal

"A quick-reading history of the United States as told through the doings of bankers and brokers."--The Washington Post

"Geisst has produced a sweeping history of Wall Street, from its inception as an outdoor market to its current status of global financial center.... This lively narrative is a good survey of American economic history that puts Wall Street at the forefront."--History

"Concluding with the 2009 great recession, Geisst observes, 'As the markets meandered during the Great Recession, it became clear that Wall Street had little intention of reforming unless forced to do so by Washington.' Some things never change, as we learn in this excellent book for financial-history enthusiasts." --Booklist

"Geisst is author of several works, including Collateral Damaged: The Marketing of Consumer Debt to America and TheLast Partnerships: Inside the Great Wall Street Dynasties." --CHOICE

Wall Street

A History, Updated Edition

Charles R. Geisst

From Our Blog

By Charles Geisst
One of the more audacious trading operations in Wall Street history occurred in September 1869. The 'Gold Corner' as it quickly became known, involved nothing less than an attempt to force up the price of gold using the resources of the United States government in the process.